International Wording and Regulations for Obstacle Lights

The overarching regulations: ICAO

The ICAO is the overarching international set of rules for the application of lighting and the definition of the lights to be used. The ICAO regulates not only the lighting of aeronautical obstacles, but also all essential aspects of international aviation. The ICAO is a recommendation and must be transposed into law by the member states. National deviations are permitted.

ICAO: https://www.icao.int/

Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internationale_Zivilluftfahrtorganisation

Several ICAO regulations are responsible for lighting, but mainly Annex 14, Part 1 (ICAO Annex 14, Aerodromes, Volume I - Aerodrome Design and Operations).

USA: FAA - Obstruction Light

The Federal Aviation Authority of the USA is one of the most important implementations of the ICAO, followed by many other states, and in the USA the term Obstruction Light is used instead of Obstacle light for lighting.

Germany: Allgemeine Verwaltungsvorschrift zur Kennzeichnung von Luftfahrthindernissen

In Germany, lighting is regulated by the General Administrative Regulation on the Labelling of Aviation Obstacles.

Switzerland: Bazl

France: DGAC / STAC

Austria:

mehr Länder:

IEC TS 61400-29:2023

Wind energy generation systems - Part 29: Marking and lighting of wind turbines

Onshore and offshore areas. Consideration is given to visible lighting and infrared (IR) lighting necessary to maintain visibility for users of night vision goggles (NVGs). Based on ICAO Annex 14 Standards and Recommended Practices, complementary harmonised specifications have been developed to support implementation. This document provides a set of technical requirements for the marking and lighting of wind turbines with a tip height of/above 150 metres and below 315 metres above ground level (AGL) or above mean sea level (AMSL) for offshore sites. This will improve the situational awareness of airspace users, maintain the safety of aircraft flying in the vicinity of wind turbines and provide additional tools to reduce environmental impact in line with aviation safety objectives.

IEC TS 61400-29:2023 | IEC